IN NEED OF IDEAS

I started a new job about 2 years ago that lately has me feeling overworked, under-compensated, undervalued, under-appreciated, and in general, like I am being taken advantage of most of the time. I never received appropriate training, have to use inefficient, outdated, and often faulty IT, and in general have not been given the resources, authority, or support I need to do my job well.

On the other hand, the company is very laid back, gives me a pretty great degree of flexibility, and is one of the most ethical employers I have ever worked for (which is absolutely critical in my profession). I have a nice corner office with windows, can work from home if/when I want to, have an excellent retirement plan, and truly believe in the company's mission.

However, as already stated, I am just not happy in general anymore, and my situation has been getting more and more untenable by the month. I have tried several times to open a dialog with my boss (the CFO), but he either can't take a hint, is too busy, or just plain doesn't care. Much of the problem is my compensation (it is significantly below the average salary for my position), the lack of support and proper resources to do my job, that I do not have the necessary authority that my responsibilities require, and that I am treated poorly by a couple of key personnel who are part of what I call the "legacy crowd" (a rather exclusive core of people who have been with the organization since it opened in the 1970's).

I really do not want to leave and have to start new again somewhere else (especially at my age), and I would think the company would also want avoid having to find a suitable replacement, too - especially in today's employee job market.

So how, exactly, do I go about a) getting my boss's attention, and b) appropriately communicating that I am nearing the end of my rope, and why? And at what point does one have to simply say "screw it" and just start updating his resume?